So, pageviews are skyrocketing. Gonna assume that's completely normal and congratulate myself later. Also thanks for that comment, person way to get the ball rolling.
Moving on: I'm not sure about everywhere, but where I am, school is in session. Now, school itself can be a topic of its own some other time, for now I just want to address pressure.
Many aren't aware that standards of education have been increasing for some time in many areas, especially in high schools and colleges around the world. Young people are expected to get better grades, take the right classes, qualify for the right things to better their lives later on. And the workload and course material has been increasing and shifting to compensate.
I'm not going to claim to be an expert on the state of the educational system where I am, but I can open my eyes enough to see what's been happening. Nor am I going to bash the officials for trying to aid kids in their "path to adulthood" or whatever. That's fantastic, really.
I will take a stand over the pressure placed on young people to be better than anyone before them.
By blogging.
Yeah, I'm aware that sitting here venting about social issues will do little more than rile a few people up and provide an oppourtunity for argument with some other "well meaning individual", but this is literally the best way I can think of to get a second opinion.
I just wish that there was a better way to prepare people for life other than throwing a bunch of textbooks and worksheets and partial credit at them. Yknow, by actually preparing then for a life where GPA doesnt matter 30 years from now. I dunno, this is just a rant.
As for the title, its a way I have for dealing with stress. When I feel like I'm in a stressed situation, and I have the time, I imagine myself in a different environment. Yeah, its a form of psychological escapism, and its neither recommended nor "healthy", but professionals say listening to music when you're upset is another form, and that's plenty healthy in my opinion.
Anyway, i'll find somwhere where I won't be bothered, put in headphones, and listen to a soundtrack of a thunderstorm in a forest. The kind where it sounds like rain falling on leaves, and the thunder kind of rumbles sometimes and kind of cracks others. And you can hear wind going through the trees. There's even a brook nearby, and you can hear the rain hitting the water.
Then I close my eyes and just imagine.
I'm sitting in the forest near my home and its raining. The air is warm, but the breeze is a bit colder, so its late summer, early fall. The trees are moving a lot and the sky is clouded over, with really impressive clouds. Might be some lightning too.
And I just sit, and listen, and relax.
There's yet to be a problem that I've come across that won't be fixed after doing this. This is my safe place, where no problem can bother me. A bit like a mind palace, but instead of a place where I store my life, its a spot I keep clear on my own head.
It's not true escape, not really. The problems still exist, and they stay with me. But they can't bother me there. I can think clearly there, without panicking. And solutions are often easier to find when you can think clearly.
It might be a little crazy, but its always worked for me. I'm not avoiding my problems, I'm facing them head on, with a clear mind.
Hence the question: Where's your safe haven?
This might not work for everyone. It doesn't have to be an environment, it could be a nice experience with your lover or family. But for me, its always been the forest as it rains.
If you run out of options, you could try this. Just remember: the point isn't to escape from what's bothering you.
The point is to face it with the aid of your own peace and clarity.
That's the only way to deal with your personal demons.
If you want, leave a comment about your own methods to relieve stress, or your happy place. You never know. You could end up really helping someone out.
For once, this isn't
TOTAL BULLSHIT.
